Fungizone

Amphotericin B Injection

What is Fungizone (Amphotericin B)?

Amphotericin B is an antibiotic that fights fungal infections in the body.

Amphotericin B is used to treat serious, life-threatening fungal infections. It is not for use in treating a minor fungal infection such as a yeast infection of the mouth, esophagus, or vagina.

Amphotericin is usually given after other antifungal antibiotics have been tried without successful treatment of symptoms.

Amphotericin B may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

How is amphotericin B given?

Amphotericin B is given as an injection through a needle placed into a vein. You will receive this injection in a clinic or hospital setting.

The medicine must be given slowly through an IV infusion, and can take up to 6 hours to complete.

While you are receiving your amphotericin B infusion, your caregivers will check your blood pressure, pulse, temperature, and lung function about every 30 minutes.

To be sure this medication is not causing harmful effects, your blood cells, kidney function, and liver function may also need to be tested. Amphotericin B can have long-lasting effects on your body. Do not miss any follow-up visits to your physician for blood or urine tests.

Amphotericin B may need to be given for up to several weeks or months, depending on the infection being treated.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine.

Symptoms of an amphotericin B overdose may include slow heart rate, and shallow breathing that slows or stops.

What should I avoid while receiving Fungizone (amphotericin B)?

Amphotericin B may lower the blood cells that help your body fight other infections. This can make it easier for you to bleed from an injury or get sick from being around others who are ill. Avoid being near people who have colds, the flu, or other contagious illnesses.

Fungizone (amphotericin B) side effects

Some people receiving an amphotericin B injection have had a reaction to the infusion (either when the medicine is injected into the vein or within 1 to 3 hours afterward). Tell your caregiver right away if you feel dizzy, nauseated, light-headed, sweaty, feverish or cold, or if you have a slow heartbeat, chest tightness, or trouble breathing. Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Tell your physician at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

• dry mouth, increased thirst, nausea, vomiting;
• extreme drowsiness, restless feeling, confusion;
• urinating more or less than usual, or not at all;
• muscle pain or weakness, fast or uneven heart rate, feeling light-headed, fainting;
• seizure (convulsions);
• fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms;
• pale skin, easy bruising or bleeding, unusual weakness; or
• nausea, stomach pain, low fever, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).

Less serious side effects may also occur, such as:

• pain, swelling, or other irritation where the needle is placed;
• mild nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, upset stomach, loss of appetite;
• weight loss;
• muscle or joint aches;
• headache;
• warmth, redness, or tingly feeling under your skin; or
• skin itching or mild rash.

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